Teaching Children of Different Backgrounds to Get Along: Second-Year Evaluation of the Together 4 All Program in Northern Ireland

• In Event: Roundtable Session 46
  In Roundtable Session: Evaluations of Collaboration, Mentoring, and School Partnerships

Abstract

Using a mixed-methods randomized experimental design, the present study evaluated the effectiveness of the “Together 4 All” (T4A)” program in Northern Ireland. T4A is designed to foster prosocial and social-emotional behavior among children of different religions and cultural backgrounds. Interview, observation, and assessment data were collected from children, teachers, principals, and parents from 6 T4A and 6 control schools. Year 2 results indicated: (a) strong implementation in most classes, (b) teachers, principals, students, and parents reacted positively toward the curriculum, (c) program effects on social-emotional learning were mostly positive and statistically significant across measures, particularly in students’ knowledge of feelings, prosocial behavior, and social development ratings. Policy implications for program development and sustainability are examined in light of the findings.

Authors

• Steven M. Ross, Johns Hopkins University

• Mary Sheard, University of York

• Alan Cheung, The Chinese University of Hong Kong